Bendigo was originally named after a local prize-fighter nick-named Bendigo, who took on his name from British boxer Abednego Thompson, well known at the time of the 1852 rush.

This photograph (circa 1868) of the main street was taken before the fountain was placed in Charing Cross. The building on left burnt down and was replaced with Fountain Court. Although the City Family Hotel is still there today, the whole area has recently undergone extensive changes to become a four storey modern business complex, owned and operated by the Bendigo Bank.